RN Unable to Work in Clinical Setting...advice?

1. Hi all,
   
   I'm an RN with plans to obtain my license within the next few months. I graduated over 10 years ago and have yet to sit for a licensing exam. A few months before my graduation, I was unfortunate enough to find out that I have (or developed during school) a severe allergy to latex. As it is, I cannot be in a hospital setting for very long before I start having an allergic reaction.
   
   Due to my allergy, I never bothered to pursue a nursing related career. I unfortunately do not have any nursing working experience to draw from. I did work for 3 years as an Early Intervention Specialist, doing mostly home visits and consultation. At the same time, I worked with Infant Massage (certified at the time, but no longer). To make ends meet, I've also worked for ~3 years as a bank teller.
   
   I was wondering if anybody can suggest a possible career move that would enable me to put my degree to use in a job setting that would allow me to earn a decent income. Obtaining my BSN to open up further employment opportunities is not out of the question, but it would not be an optimal course of action.
   
   I have looked into positions such as Case Managers, but most seem to require working experience as an RN. I had hoped that somebody on these boards was in a similar situation
   
   
   Many thanks,
   
   patty55

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2. 

   About patty55

   Joined: Aug '10; Posts: 1

   5 Comments

   Comment
3. 
   Aug 7, '10

   I'd re-investigate clinical nursing. Many, many hospitals, clinics and nursing facilities are now latex free.
4. 
   Aug 7, '10

   Absolutely what kids said. There are all kinds of latex alternatives out there now. Best wishes to you!
5. 
   Aug 7, '10

   It is rare to find latex gloves anywhere today. Don't limit your job search because of that. Good luck.
6. 
   Aug 7, '10

   Latex allergies are becoming more and more common, and hospitals have made lots of changes in recent years to adapt to this. I would not necessarily rule out acute care as a possibility. Best wishes!
7. 
   Aug 8, '10

   A nurse in our L&D unit has a latex allergy. So she always works triage. I think the only reason she's can't take laboring patients is because of the foley catheters.
   The gloves are safe.

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